Recent Posts

to top

Revisiting the Paris Tasting of 1976

Prompted by the film Bottle Shock, there is a lot of talk these days about the famous Paris tasting in 1976.  It was then that everyone realized that Napa Valley could compete on a wine world stage.  In 1998 a similar tasting was repeated in San Francisco with some new additions, including the 1995 Clark-Claudon Cabernet. 

The tasting was organized by Gordon Getty in conjunction with the Headlands Foundation Wine Auction.  A stellar panel of wine gurus blind tasted 42 …



 
to top

Back at It…

Sorry for the lack of entries over the last few weeks…Whew! Sometimes life just gets in the way…

I always expect summer to be that lazy break between the craziness of Spring & Fall…silly girl…that just isn’t true!  Three great winemaker dinners in Houston, Texas, marketing the yummy 2004 Estate, ‘07 Wild Iris & ‘05 Three Stones, final blending of the 2006 Estate & the 2006 Three Stones, preparing the 2005 release…even more …



 

We are so excited about this new focus!

 

  From the vineyard…



 

It has been like living in a mushroom cloud around here.  As we all tried to adjust to the dark choking gloom I appreciated our firefighters on a whole new level.  Thankfully most, if not all, of the fires are now contained or under control.  The blue sky has not returned, but at least the air is more tolerable, there is a breeze and clearer skys are on the way.  A …



 
to top

Great Conversation Wine Facts

Did you know…

One barrel of wine equals 20 cases which equals 1200 glasses of wine

A ton of grapes makes about 720 bottles of wine, or 60 cases

One vine, on a hillside like ours, produces about 2 bottles of wine or 10 glasses annually

Each bottle of wine contains about 2.8 pounds of grapes.  That means each 5-oz glass of wine contains a little over half a pound of grapes.

Interesting…worth sharing over a great …



 
to top

$10,000,000!!!

Wow!  Auction Napa Valley raised over $10,000,000!  Wine is an amazing vehicle for raising money for life changing programs.  Our wine was a great success, but more importantly it is so satisfying to contribute to this amazing event. 

Thanks to the NV Vintners staff.  They are even more amazing!!!

 

People lining up to taste our barrel lot



 
to top

Witty, Wise & Captivating

It is great to see how many of you have subscribed to our blog!  Now I feel motivated to be witty, wise and captivating.  I don’t know about all that, but  I will try to keep it interesting…

As far as comments go, so far we have received offers for strange insurance, interesting equipment and oh, there was that one about an itty bitty bikini…I won’t go there, but don’t these people …



 
to top

Auction Napa Valley; the American Wine Classic

Auction Napa Valley 2008Our community is ready to be the hostess with the mostest as Auction Napa Valley 2008 kicks off.  This four day event, sponsered by Napa Valley Vintners, brings together the entire community to raise money for health, housing and education programs in our county.Click here to learn more about who it helps.  Local, out …



 
to top

Which Type of Wine Enthusiast Are You?

I figure wine enthusiasts fall into at least three categories. There are those who see wine as an expression of art & soul; something much bigger than the bottle in hand. Some are looking for a trophy to admire and enjoy while communicating who they are. While others want an enjoyable beverage to have on its own or to accompany a meal; better yet, if perceived to be …



 
to top

2007 Wild Iris at State House Dinners

Just heard that our 2007 Wild Iris will be served at all state house dinners in Tennessee.  Iris may be wild, but she definately knows protocol.  She will be a beautiful ambassador from Clark-Claudon.



 
to top

Big Freeze affects Quantity but not Quality

The Napa Valley experienced a big freeze last week resulting in bud damage in many ares. For the first time in 30 years our Howell Mountain Eternity Vineyard experienced about 90% bud loss while our Family Estate Vineyard had a loss of 20%. Unusual conditions set the stage for this disaster. A freezing inversion layer sat just above the mountain. …



 
to top

Bring on Spring…the buds break!

The tender leaves pierce the dormant vines and announce to the world…spring is here!
The surest sign that a beautiful summer is right around the corner…bud break.



 
to top

Hello World!

Welcome to Clark Claudon’s blog where we plan to engage you in the unique experience that is Clark-Claudon. For us, producing wine is more than a life style; it is our life and a door to some wonderful possibilities. This blog is one way for us to invite you in to share the experience.

We hope you will be able to visit us and/or enjoy some of our events. …



 
to top

Rain, Rain…Come Again

Briana ventured out to grab some different views of the winter vines before our first real storm arrived. Now the vines are taking their last taste of 2007 rains before the new year comes.

Enjoy the photography.

Winter



 
to top

What’s the buzz about?

This is one of those exceptional vintages not to be missed. We believe it’s our best since 1999. Lush, balanced and age worthy; sommeliers & wine writers are loving this wine! Our 2004 will not disappoint! Order on-line or contact us to place your order.



 
to top

Pickers return from a full morning of hard work.

Pickers return from a demanding yet wonderful season. Thank you for all of your hard work.

harvest0745.jpg



 
to top

Full Moon Sets on Harvest

5:00 a.m. October 8th, the sun is just rising on the horizon as a brilliant full moon sets over the vineyard; the last morning of harvest, what could possibly be more beautiful. A perfect ending to an exceptional season.

Let the buzz begin! Winemakers always like to be a bit tentative until a vintage begins to show what its got, but our 2007 Cabs are already showing deep …